Exclusive Interview | Mayank Prasad, Founder of Curated Catering by Design
/“As events become more immersive and personalized, catering plays a vital role in setting the tone, telling a story, and creating lasting impressions.
We’re seeing catering evolve into a form of event design in itself, where presentation, flavor, service, and ambiance are fully integrated.”
What inspired you to launch Curated Catering by Design, and what makes it different from traditional catering services?
Curated Catering by Design was born from a passion for creating memorable experiences through food. I saw a gap in the traditional catering industry where menus felt impersonal and repetitive. I wanted to offer something more thoughtful—something that truly reflects the unique tastes, themes, and personalities of each client. What sets us apart is our attention to detail, personalization, and the seamless blending of culinary artistry with event design. Every dish, every table setting, every flavor is intentionally curated to tell a story. It’s not just about feeding guests—it’s about creating an experience they’ll remember."
How do you blend creativity, personalization, and premium. service to create unforgettable dining experiences?
For us, it all starts with truly understanding our clients—their vision, tastes, and the story they want to tell. From there, creativity takes the lead. We design each menu and setting with intention, pulling inspiration from seasonal ingredients, cultural influences, and the mood of the event. Personalization is key—no two events are the same, and neither are our menus.
Premium service ties it all together. From the first consultation to the final bite, we focus on seamless execution, attention to detail, and warm, professional hospitality. It’s this balance of artistry, care, and excellence that transforms a meal into a memorable experience.
Can you share a unique or particularly challenging catering event that pushed your team to new levels of innovation?
One of our most memorable—and challenging—events was a multi-day destination wedding on a remote estate with no on-site kitchen and limited access to resources. The couple wanted a different themed dining experience for each event: a modern Mediterranean welcome dinner, a luxe farm-to-table rehearsal, and a fusion-style wedding reception blending their cultural backgrounds.
To pull it off, we had to build a mobile kitchen, coordinate deliveries through winding backroads, and prep much of the food off-site with precise timing. But the real innovation came in the details—like creating custom spice blends for the fusion dishes, designing a floating grazing table over the pool, and sourcing local ingredients that honored the couple’s story. It pushed every member of our team, but it reminded us why we do this: to turn even the wildest ideas into unforgettable realities.
The Art of Personalization – With so many diverse preferences and dietary needs today, how do you ensure every guest has an exceptional experience?
Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do. From the initial planning stages, we work closely with our clients to understand the full scope of guest preferences, dietary restrictions, and cultural considerations. Whether it’s vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, or allergy-sensitive meals, we design each menu with the same level of care and creativity—no one gets a ‘second-best’ version. Our goal is to ensure every guest feels seen, accommodated, and delighted. It’sabout more than just food; it’s about creating a welcoming, thoughtful experience for everyone at the table.
Ethical Sourcing – How does your brand approach sustainability, food waste reduction, and ethical ingredient sourcing?
Sustainability isn’t a trend for us—it’s a core value woven into every aspect of our operation. We prioritize local, seasonal, and ethically sourced ingredients, working with trusted farmers and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and responsible practices. To reduce food waste, we plan with precision, repurpose creatively when possible, and donate surplus to local organizations. Even our packaging and serving materials are chosen with the environment in mind—favoring compostable, recyclable, or reusable options. We believe that exceptional catering shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense, and we're proud to offer experiences that are as mindful as they are memorable."
Trends in Luxury Catering – Have you noticed any emerging trends in high-end catering, and how is your brand adapting to meet these new expectations?
Yes, we’re definitely seeing a shift in high-end catering towards more immersive, personalized, and ethically conscious experiences. Clients are looking for more than just beautifully plated food—they want storytelling through cuisine, interactive elements like chef stations or curated pairings, and menus that reflect global flavors or personal significance.
There’s also a strong demand for sustainability, wellness-focused options, and transparency in sourcing. We’ve adapted by offering custom-designed tasting menus, elevated plant-based dishes, and sustainable service practices that align with these expectations. It’s about meeting modern luxury with intention, creativity, and authenticity.
How do you see the role of catering evolving in the larger hospitality and event management industry?
Catering is no longer just about delivering food—it’s becoming a central element of the overall guest experience. As events become more immersive and personalized, catering plays a vital role in setting the tone, telling a story, and creating lasting impressions.
We’re seeing catering evolve into a form of event design in itself, where presentation, flavor, service, and ambiance are fully integrated. In the broader hospitality industry, this means catering teams are now expected to collaborate closely with planners, designers, and even tech partners to deliver cohesive, high-touch experiences. It’s an exciting time where innovation, hospitality, and culinary artistry truly intersect.
At Hospitality Trainers Guild, we believe in lifelong learning. What key skills do you emphasize when training your team?
At Curated Catering by Design, we place a strong emphasis on both technical excellence and soft skills. Yes, culinary technique, service precision, and food safety are essential—but just as important are adaptability, communication, attention to detail, and emotional intelligence. In a fast-paced, high-expectation industry, our team needs to anticipate needs, read the room, and respond with both grace and efficiency. We also encourage a growth mindset—staying curious, welcoming feedback, and continuously learning from every event. It’s this blend of craft and character that sets great hospitality professionals apart.
Can you share any recent learning and development initiatives you’ve introduced to ensure continuous growth for your team?
We’ve recently launched a few exciting initiatives focused on continuous growth and upskilling within our team. One of our key programs is a rotating Culinary Innovation Lab —a monthly workshop where team members collaborate on new techniques, plating styles, or flavor pairings inspired by global trends. We also partner with local sommeliers, mixologists, and wellness chefs for guest-led masterclasses that expand our team’s knowledge beyond the plate.
On the service side, we’ve introduced soft skills training focused on emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and client experience design. And because we believe learning should be accessible, we’ve built a digital resource hub where our team can tap into on-demand training modules, industry articles, and creative inspiration anytime. Investing in our people isn’t just good for business—it fuels our culture of excellence and innovation.
If we could request you to conduct a training session for our hospitality community, what topics would you love to cover?
I’d be honored to share knowledge with the hospitality community! I’d love to focus on topics that blend creativity, service excellence, and future-forward thinking. A few sessions that come to mind:
1. Designing Memorable Dining Experiences – how to go beyond the plate and craft immersive, guest-centered moments.
2. The Art of Personalization in Modern Catering – strategies to tailor menus, service, and ambiance to diverse clients and events.
3. Sustainability in Action – practical approaches to ethical sourcing, zero-waste kitchens, and eco-conscious event execution.
4. Luxury Hospitality with Heart – training on emotional intelligence, storytelling, and delivering high-touch service with authenticity.
5. Trends & Innovation in Culinary Events – exploring global flavors, tech integration, and experiential dining trends.
My goal would be to inspire, equip, and empower professionals to elevate every aspect of their craft while staying true to the soul of hospitality.
